# The House of Brattleby Commemorates an Historic Royal Union
**LONDON, 21 May 2024** — The Noble House of Brattleby today marked the 665th anniversary of the marriage between John of Gaunt and Blanche of Lancaster. The union placed the ancient Barony of Brattleby, then held by the House of Lancaster, into direct Royal hands.
## The Occasion
In the historic setting of the family’s Lincolnshire seat, a private commemoration was held to reflect upon a pivotal moment in the Barony’s near-millennial history. The quiet solemnity of the occasion, set against the backdrop of the emerging English summer, provided a fitting atmosphere for historical contemplation. The event centred on a scholarly review of the 1359 marriage, which not only shaped the destiny of the Barony but also had profound consequences for the English throne itself. This act of remembrance serves as a cornerstone of the House's modern mission: to honour its past as a guide for its present duties.
The proceedings took place within the Great Parlour, a room whose Jacobean antecedents overlay the very same stone foundations that would have been familiar to the Barony’s medieval lords. Surrounded by charters and historical maps, the family reflected on the long thread of continuity that unites the Barony's first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, with its current custodians.
## Historical Context
On 19 May 1359, John of Gaunt, fourth son of King Edward III, married his third cousin, Lady Blanche of Lancaster, at Reading Abbey. Through this union, Gaunt became the 11th Baron of Brattleby *jure uxoris* (by right of his wife), as the title formed part of the vast Lancastrian inheritance. Blanche’s father, the formidable Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron of Brattleby, was one of England’s most celebrated soldiers and diplomats. His death in 1361 saw his titles and immense fortune pass to Gaunt, making him the wealthiest and most powerful nobleman in the kingdom.
This marriage brought the Barony of Brattleby into the immediate orbit of the Plantagenet court, transforming it from a significant regional lordship into an asset held by a prince of the blood. For the remainder of the 14th century, Brattleby's fortunes were inextricably linked to Gaunt's own political ambitions and his role as a key power broker during the reign of his father and the turbulent minority of his nephew, King Richard II. The eventual accession of Gaunt’s son as King Henry IV resulted in the Barony being merged with the Crown, where it lay dormant for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The private historical observance was led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship was accompanied by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Also in attendance was the heir to the Barony, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun. Their presence together underscored the House’s commitment to intergenerational stewardship and the continuity of the title’s legacy, linking its medieval past to its 21st-century responsibilities.
The family was joined by a leading medieval historian from the University of Cambridge, who provided a detailed discourse on the political, social, and economic landscape of 14th-century England, placing the 1359 union in its proper national context.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The commemoration followed a simple yet formal order of proceedings, befitting an occasion of scholarly reflection rather than public pageantry. It commenced with a private viewing of facsimiles of key documents from The National Archives, including extracts relating to the Duchy of Lancaster's holdings in Lincolnshire. Following the academic discourse, a period of quiet contemplation was observed.
The event concluded with a formal toast to the memory of the 10th and 11th Barons and their enduring impact on English history. This moment of remembrance was not an act of ceremony for its own sake, but rather a reaffirmation of the principle of custodianship — a a *sine qua non* for any holder of an ancient feudal title.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The historical union was rich in heraldic symbolism. As a royal son, John of Gaunt bore the Royal Arms of England (and France quartered), differenced by a white label of three points, each charged with ermine spots. This "difference" marked him as a prince, yet distinct from the sovereign. The ermine paid tribute to his earlier title as Earl of Richmond, a domain historically linked to the Dukes of Brittany, whose arms are plain ermine.
The motto of the House of Brattleby, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), finds a powerful echo in its medieval predecessors. It reflects the martial fortitude of figures such as Henry of Grosmont and John of Gaunt, as well as the unwavering honour of Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, who famously defended Lincoln Castle for the King in 1217. Complementing this is Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the modern imperative of overcoming challenges through purpose and determination.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While this commemoration was a private historical observance, it was imbued with the same spirit of service that animates the House’s public activities. The principle of noblesse oblige—the inferred responsibility of the privileged to act with generosity and honour—connects the duties of a medieval magnate to the philanthropic imperatives of today. This ethos is the driving force behind the House’s foremost charitable commitment.
The annual Winter Banquet, the House’s principal philanthropic event, is held in aid of Healing the Wounded Child. This distinguished organisation provides specialist therapeutic care for children and young people affected by trauma and loss. The House of Brattleby chose this beneficiary for its profound and measurable impact, offering a path to recovery and resilience for the most vulnerable members of society.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > “To understand our present duty, we must honour the long chain of custodianship that precedes us. John of Gaunt’s tenure marks a pivotal chapter, reminding us that this Barony, and our role within it, has long been intertwined with the history of the nation. It is a profound responsibility we are privileged to carry forward.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “History is not a static collection of dates; it is a living narrative that informs our actions today. By reflecting on the union of Gaunt and Lancaster, we draw inspiration for our own commitment to building a durable legacy—one defined not by power, but by purpose and service to the community.”
## A Continuing Legacy
This historical review is the first in a planned series of initiatives by The Noble House of Brattleby to research and share the rich, nine-hundred-year history of the Barony. Future projects include the digitisation of related historical records and the commissioning of scholarly articles to illuminate key periods in its lineage, from the Norman Conquest to its revival in the modern era.
These efforts run parallel to the work of The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette and protocol academy founded by the House. Through the Club, the timeless principles of honour, duty, and social grace—as exemplified by the Barony's most notable forebears—are shared with a new generation of leaders on the Continent, ensuring the legacy of Brattleby continues to evolve and resonate in the 21st century.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to the stewardship of one of England’s oldest feudal baronies. The House’s modern mission is centred on preserving its unique heritage while leveraging its platform for positive social impact. Its activities encompass historical preservation, cultural diplomacy through institutions like The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, and focused philanthropy. The House's primary charitable focus is supporting organisations that provide vital care and therapy to children who have experienced trauma, reflecting a core commitment to fostering resilience and healing in the community. This dual focus on heritage and service is guided by the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, is recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as the tenant-in-chief of 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the Barony has been held by some of English history’s most significant figures, including Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness and heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster and 10th Baron; and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, 11th Baron. After centuries of abeyance within the Crown, the dignity of the Barony was recognised and confirmed in favour of its current holder, as recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The modern revival of the Barony of Brattleby was officially gazetted in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - The Barony is first recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 under the tenure of its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. - Notable holders of the Barony include John of Gaunt (1340-1399), son of King Edward III, and Nichola de la Haye (c. 1150-1230), one of medieval England's most powerful female magnates. - The House's philanthropic efforts are primarily directed towards its chosen beneficiary, Healing the Wounded Child, an organisation providing therapeutic support to vulnerable children.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com